FWS

Finkel Whitefield Selik was founded in 1984. At that time, its principals, Robert Finkel, Marc Whitefield and Richard Selik, each brought to the firm experience, expertise and professionalism drawn from larger law practices. In 1995, Alan Ferrara and Stephen Feldman joined the firm, bringing with them their experience and expertise. Currently, the firm has twelve shareholders who share a commitment to maintaining a working environment which stresses individual and personalized attorney-client relationships. The firm has grown steadily since 1984 and represents as diverse a client base as any law firm.

The firm counts among its clients small family owned businesses, individuals, professional corporations and publicly traded Fortune 500 corporations. The firm services clients throughout Michigan and across the United States. It emphasizes prompt response to client needs while retaining close client contact. The firm’s attorneys practice in numerous state and federal courts and administrative agencies. The firm takes pride in long term client relationships and addressing individual requirements.

The firm has attorneys who specialize in general litigation, labor and employment law, employee benefits law, real estate law, business and corporate planning, tax planning, as well as a variety of other areas. Among the services the firm provides are the following:

General commercial litigation, including trials and appeals, in state and federal courts and administrative agencies

Litigation of employment related matters, such as wrongful discharge, discrimination, and whistleblower claims

Transactional work, including the negotiation and handling of real estate, commercial, and general business matters, with an analysis of tax implications and other statutory issues.

Charitable and tax exempt organization planning, from organization to receipt of exempt status determination to dissolution.

Labor contract negotiation and administration

Estate and gift planning

General employment counseling, including the drafting of employment policies and handbooks

Representation of parties before the National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Michigan Employment Relations Commission and the Michigan Department of Civil Rights

Counseling in connection with union organizational campaigns

Arbitration of labor, construction, real estate and other commercial matters

Litigation of condemnation matters

Tax controversy litigation, both federal and state, including the assessment and collection of tax liabilities

Development and assessment of employee benefit strategies

In each of these areas, the firm remains committed to the notion that lawyers and the law should be part of the solution and not part of the problem. That is, we will try to identify potential problems, before they become real problems. We help our clients to solve their problems in an acceptable manner, rather than insisting on prolonged and costly litigation if that can be prevented. Finally, if there is no alternative to litigation, we will provide our clients with effective, aggressive and tenacious representation.

From our neighborhoods to the global marketplace, from new technological advances to new legislation, we are constantly faced with many opportunities and challenges as we go about our lives. Many of these opportunities and challenges are either shaped by or intertwined with legal issues and, at times, legal problems. From the usual civility of real estate or business transactions, to the occasionally rough and tumble environment of the workplace or litigation, we encounter numerous legal questions that require prompt, accurate resolution.

Finkel, Whitefield was founded on the notion that while the law is an extremely important factor in almost every transaction or endeavor, it does not need to become an overwhelming one to you, or you’re company. At Finkel, Whitefield, we have a strong tradition of working with our clients to anticipate, analyze and resolve legal issues, so that you are free to concentrate on the issues most important to you.

This tradition of strong personal relationships with our clients means that you will know the lawyer serving you. Your lawyer will respect and know you and your specific legal issues. We will work together to find the best solution possible for you, generated from a foundation of over 30 years of experience.

Let us work with you to navigate the legal questions and problems we all face in our increasingly complex society. We believe that we can make a difference.